Apparently true to the motto “Who needs the copy when they can play the original for free?” Electronic Arts announced that the MMORPG classic Ultima Online will receive a Free2Play version today, April 5th.
Last year, EA stated that it wanted to launch a Free2Play option for the MMORPG Ultima Online. It was supposed to be available in 2018. However, no exact date was provided.
Now, just a few days after the launch of Shroud of the Avatar, the company suddenly declares that it will be ready on April 5th. Is this just a coincidence?
After all, Shroud of the Avatar was developed as the unofficial successor to Ultima, and the producers, including Ultima creator Richard Garriott, promoted their new game within the UO community.
Free but with limitations
Therefore, the timing that EA has chosen for the launch of the Free2Play version of Ultima Online seems to be well thought out. Many were hoping for a kind of “reimagining” of UO from Shroud of the Avatar, but ultimately, they did not receive exactly what they wanted.
If UO becomes Free2Play now, these players have a reason to return. However, the free version of the MMO does not offer the complete game but has some limitations:
- You cannot purchase and furnish a house, which is one of the biggest features of UO
- You cannot create NPC merchants to sell your items
- You cannot participate in events held by Game Masters
- You only have a small bank inventory that exists separately from the “real” bank
- The booster packs High Seas and Time Legends are not included
No more multiboxing
Despite these limitations, the Free2Play version of UO, with the addition of “Endless Journey,” represents a good opportunity to get into or return to the classic. Those who enjoy it and want to “properly” dive in can still subscribe.
With the launch of the Free2Play version, EA is also banning multiboxing in the game. It is no longer allowed to play multiple characters simultaneously. This is even harshly punished with bans!
